HR1587: HR1587 Licensed Professional Counselors Appreciation Day at the state capitol; 3/5/26; recognize

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes March 5, 2026 as Licensed Professional Counselors Appreciation Day at the state capitol. It highlights the work of the more than 13,000 licensed professional counselors and licensed associate professional counselors in Georgia, describing their training in areas like psychopathology, ethics, and human development, and their role in providing mental health care across the state. The resolution notes the counselors' connection to the 988 crisis line and their ability to practice independently, bill insurance directly, diagnose clients, and conduct mental health evaluations. It does not create any new law, funding, or requirement; it directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

• Formally designates March 5, 2026 as Licensed Professional Counselors Appreciation Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Encourages all Georgians to recognize the importance of mental health and the work of licensed professional counselors.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Creates no new statutory requirements, funding, or changes to Georgia law, as a resolution of this kind is symbolic.

Licensed professional counselors and licensed associate professional counselors in Georgia, the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia, and members of the public who interact with the state's mental health care system are named or referenced in the resolution.

The resolution has no legal or funding effect but publicly acknowledges the role of licensed counselors in Georgia's mental health system, including their connection to the 988 crisis line, which may raise public awareness of these professionals' work.

• The whereas clauses describe LPCs' training in psychopathology, testing, ethics, research, diversity, career development, and human development.
• The resolution states there are more than 13,000 licensed professional counselors and licensed associate professional counselors in Georgia.
• The resolved clause designates March 5, 2026 as Licensed Professional Counselors Appreciation Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available for distribution to the public and press.

1. 2026-03-04House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-04House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-04House Hopper (House)

• Alan Powell (R, HD-033)Primary sponsor
• Houston Gaines (R, HD-120)
• Holt Persinger (R, HD-119)
• Brent Cox (R, HD-028)
• Kimberly New (R, HD-040)
• Karen Mathiak (R, HD-082)

• mental health
• licensed professional counselors
• state capitol recognition
• 988 crisis line